Does anyone else think this feels like the '06 Niners game?

[Kaylore]

The 7-9 Niners were coming into Invesco. Broncos were favored by a touchdown, I think. Then everything went wrong and by losing the game pushed the Chiefs into the playoffs.

Here we are in '08 and the 6-8 Bills are coming to Denver. I was listening to the Bronco players interviews and they all are pretty confident talking like they got this one easy. Buffalo gave the Jets a run for their money and when they've been able to execute are a dangerous team. Lynch is the real deal at running back. Now Clady and Kuper, our two most consistent linemen, are injured. Everything's setting up for San Diego. I just have a bad feeling that Tampa is going to fold in the final seconds against the Boltz and we'll let this one get away because we're acting all cocky and this is the kind of game we lose.

Thoughts?

[DomCasual]

Yeah, I've been thinking about that all week.

[bronco militia]

yep

[BlaK-Argentina]

I really don't have the energy to be thinking about all this. Being a Broncos fan this past few years has been emotionally tiring. I'm trying not to think about this until sunday... if Tampa beats SD all this is moot... but if SD wins, I'll be a nervous wreck during our game. More than usual. I just hope we take care of business.

[Merlin]

Hubris has brought about their downfall before, but I had hoped they had outgrown it. You would have thought KC and Raiders would have taught them about any given Sunday.

[Hotrod]

I was at that game and it was cold as **** just like this Sunday is going to be. I dont think this game will turn out the same at all. My gut feeling is we roll the Jills early and they pack it in. The 9er game it felt like the whole crowd knew it was coming before it happened.

This team is going to come out swinging for the fences to lock up some time off next week.

[rugbythug]

Wil Jay get KO'd in this one too?

[Smiling Assassin27]

No more excuses. Time for Jay to step through the door into 'winners-ville'. He's always had the excuse that he never got to play in a big game at Vandy. Well, in the immortal words of Yoda:

Do or do not; there is no try.

Let's hope he grabs this opportunity and carves up some Buffalo meat on Sunday.

[Irish Stout]

I was at that game and it was cold as **** just like this Sunday is going to be. I dont think this game will turn out the same at all. My gut feeling is we roll the Jills early and they pack it in. The 9er game it felt like the whole crowd knew it was coming before it happened.

This team is going to come out swinging for the fences to lock up some time off next week.

I was at that game and I am going to this game and it was as cold as it could possibly be! My feeling then as my feeling is now, the football gods will let what is supposed to happen happen. If we lose today and SD wins, then we were not meant to go to the playoffs. We can then all let out a sigh of relief knowing we don't have to watch Peyton Manning decimate our secondary in another early playoff game. On the other hand, if we win, then we need our team to show up in full force with an actual decent game plan to even begin dreaming of moving ahead in the playoffs.

[Dagmar]

http://www.ilovemeow.com/img/Blasphemer.jpg

http://home.alltel.net/petronski/khan.gif

[montrose]

Some of the players actually addressed this in a DP article:

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_11257940

Repeat of 2006 not in Broncos' realm of reality
By Mike Klis
The Denver Post

Champ Bailey could not remember returning an interception for a touchdown.

Not at first he couldn't.

"Did I?" he said, before pausing to think. "I guess I did, didn't I? All I remember is we lost."

When the game is big — and they don't get much bigger than when a victory guarantees the playoffs while a defeat means potentially missing the postseason — nothing about the process matters. Not even a pick-six. It's all about the outcome.

The Broncos' game Sunday against Buffalo could be their most significant since the final game of the 2006 season, when a stunning overtime loss to the then 6-9 San Francisco 49ers caused Denver to miss the playoffs for the first time in four years.

"I just hope our attitude is different," Bailey said. "We got beat by a team that wasn't as good as we were, but they outplayed us that day. They came to play. They didn't play like a team that had nothing to gain from winning."

There is also a chance the game against the Buffalo Bills could become their most meaningless contest since the final game of 2005, when they had the AFC West clinched but whipped the Chargers anyway. Broncos coach Mike Shanahan doesn't want his players to know the outcome of the Tampa Bay-San Diego game. Should the Buccaneers, three-point favorites, beat the Chargers, Denver would have the AFC West title and no worse than a No. 4 playoff seed clinched before kickoff against the Bills.

But if Tampa Bay loses, the pressure will intensify on the Broncos.

"It's exciting, but you stay loose and relaxed and just go out there and play," said Broncos safety Marlon McCree, who played in a playoff-or-die game in 2005 while with Carolina. "There's no need to get uptight."

A Chargers victory Sunday would give them a 7-8 record. The Broncos would fall to 8-7 if they lose to Buffalo. This scenario would force a winner-take-all season finale between the Chargers, who would have the tiebreaker based on a better record within the AFC
(Click image to enlarge)
West, and the Broncos on Dec. 28 in San Diego.

"And Buffalo knows that, too," Broncos defensive lineman Ebenezer Ekuban said. "Of course they'll want to play spoiler. It happened two years ago when San Francisco came in. They knew it. It doesn't get any better than this, man. This is what you want."

The Broncos are going about their weekly preparations assuming San Diego will beat Tampa Bay. Such an assumption makes this the biggest game since the 49ers game in 2006. A win would have put the Broncos in the playoffs. Instead, they lost and sent Kansas City to the playoffs.

"I fumbled that game," Broncos running back Tatum Bell said. "And then I got traded."

OK, so not all details in the process of a big game are forgotten. Bell's fumble is disputed to this day by Shanahan.

"A fumble that we had there that shouldn't have been a fumble," Shanahan said Wednesday. "It was a mistake by the officials. Yeah, I remember that quite well."

Bailey's interception return late in the first half had given the Broncos a 13-0 lead. The problem was the lead wasn't 21-0. The Broncos had first-and-goal at the 1 and first-and-goal at the 3 in the first half. They also had first-and-goal at the 3 in the second half. The result from those goal-to-go possessions? Field goal, field goal, field goal.

"Got to put them away," Bell said. "There are no easy wins. You can't let anybody hang around."

In the second half, Broncos' rookie quarterback Jay Cutler, who had been knocked woozy with a concussion in the first half, threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown. From then on, it was the Broncos who played catch-up. In overtime, the Broncos couldn't move the ball on two possessions before a field goal by Joe Nedney ended their season.

"It's a totally different feel for me, and I think it's a totally different feel for everyone in the locker room," Cutler said. "We know we have a totally different team, for that matter. I have a lot more experience. I think the guys have more confidence than we did in ourselves."

[Kaylore]

Well I'm glad the press reminded them of it. This will be a real test. Can we get up for a big, must-win game? This is our playoffs. They need to go hard and go hard the whole game.

[Rohirrim]

At the beginning of the season I said 8 and 8. I don't see any reason to change that.

[theAPAOps5]

Yeah I have that feeling too. But the injuries are what concern me more especially the O-Line. No running back and now 2 stalwarts on the line dinged up. This is becoming a perfect storm.

[oubronco]

Wil Jay get KO'd in this one too?

I really hope you knocked on wood for this

[Hotrod]

I still remember the feeling as word spread thru the crowd that because of our loss the cheeps had backed in to the playoffs. It sucked ass

[Orange_Beard]

I was at that game and it was cold as **** just like this Sunday is going to be. I dont think this game will turn out the same at all. My gut feeling is we roll the Jills early and they pack it in. The 9er game it felt like the whole crowd knew it was coming before it happened.

This team is going to come out swinging for the fences to lock up some time off next week.

I was there to and had the same feeling.

I am nervous about this game. But it is more of an excited nervous.
I can taste the title.

[epicSocialism4tw]

No more excuses. Time for Jay to step through the door into 'winners-ville'. He's always had the excuse that he never got to play in a big game at Vandy. Well, in the immortal words of Yoda:

Do or do not; there is no try.

Let's hope he grabs this opportunity and carves up some Buffalo meat on Sunday.

I agree.

This is Jay's third season.

It's time to show some leadership and maturity.

[Play2win]

I think its completely different.

SF had the more physical team. I was worried about that game. SF was not a very good team, but they had a tough runner and a physical team. I thought our team wasn't physical, nor was it that tough. We had good talent at certain positions, but we could get out muscled by less talented teams like SF.

Now, we are a lot more physical. The OLine, by itself, makes sure of that. We would be a lot more physical with Hillis, but as it is, we are still a good physical team. Offensively...

Defensively, we have issues...

BUT, we also, when Jay Cutler is on, an explosive offense. We can rack up the points pretty quick is we are working on all cylinders.

Does our team have flaws? You betcha! Some pretty big ones too... But, we also have MAJOR strengths... If we can take FULL advantage of our strengths, and minimize our weaknesses(flaws), I still feel we can beat ANYBODY in the NFL...

[Taco John]

No more excuses.



Other than having no defense and no running game in the thick of NFL football in December - rrrrright. No excuses....


Reality check people: we have no reason to win either of the next two games. Fans should be expecting to lose both of them, and delighted if we win them. Obviously we want to win them. But we shouldn't be setting our expectations on it and crucifying our best player(s) if it doesn't happen.

[Meck77]

I still remember the feeling as word spread thru the crowd that because of our loss the cheeps had backed in to the playoffs. It sucked ass

Yeah that game sucked. Even worse was waking up hearing that we lost Dwill.

As far as expectations for this game I look at it this way. We're two average teams battling it out on the field and anything can happen.

If Jay/the team turns the ball over I expect a loss. It's not that complicated really.

[SoDak Bronco]

Big Game no doubt. I think Denver needs to come out and just beat these guys by like 30 points and get some good mojo going into the final week. We can then rest some guys next week. But I def. have some nerves about this game. I remember that game was just awful, and then the next morning we wake up and Dwill is dead. Man that was like the cherry on top of the cake. Except it kinda made you feel bad about being pissed about the game.

[epicSocialism4tw]

Other than having no defense and no running game in the thick of NFL football in December - rrrrright. No excuses....


Reality check people: we have no reason to win either of the next two games. Fans should be expecting to lose both of them, and delighted if we win them. Obviously we want to win them. But we shouldn't be setting our expectations on it and cricifying our best player(s) if it doesn't happen.

Sorry Taco, but this sounds funny coming from you! ;D

[bronco militia]

Other than having no defense and no running game in the thick of NFL football in December - rrrrright. No excuses....


Reality check people: we have no reason to win either of the next two games. Fans should be expecting to lose both of them, and delighted if we win them. Obviously we want to win them. But we shouldn't be setting our expectations on it and cricifying our best player(s) if it doesn't happen.

word

[Rock Chalk]

No, this doesnt feel like the Niners game.

Im worried about this game. I wasnt worried about the Niners game.

[Hotrod]

Good news is after much debate I will be watching this game live from my couch on the big screen in front of the fireplace :)

[Taco John]

Sorry Taco, but this sounds funny coming from you! ;D


There'e a difference between optimism and realism. I'm optimistic that we *can* win both games. But I'm not setting my heart on it, given what I saw of our team last week. And right now people are starting to talk like Jay's a bad leader if we lose the next two games. I think that's fools talk.

[Rock Chalk]

There'e a difference between optimism and realism. I'm optimistic that we *can* win both games. But I'm not setting my heart on it, given what I saw of our team last week. And right now people are starting to talk like Jay's a bad leader if we lose the next two games. I think that's fools talk.

So predictable.

If Jay cant lead the team to at least one more win this season people have every right to start questioning his leadership.

[Hotrod]

So predictable.

If Jay cant lead the team to at least one more win this season people have every right to start questioning his leadership.

Sadly I agree and this is the best weekend to make it happen. Someday he needs to carry this team to victory in a big game. Then he will have turned the corner until then he is just another strong armed young QB with potential to be something special.

[SonOfLe-loLang]

No, this doesnt feel like the Niners game.

Im worried about this game. I wasnt worried about the Niners game.

Yeah, my thoughts exactly. I didnt think there was a way in hell we lose the niners game. I still think chances are that we lose this game.

[Taco John]

So predictable.

If Jay cant lead the team to at least one more win this season people have every right to start questioning his leadership.


Hahahahaha!

A guy who couldn't trouble himself to question Plummer's leadership is suddenly the expert on QB leadership. What is it? Comedy Friday? Next you're going to tell me that I should be more friendly to other people.

What other ironic gems do you care to serve up today?

[SonOfLe-loLang]

So predictable.

If Jay cant lead the team to at least one more win this season people have every right to start questioning his leadership.

I dont think these two things necessarily corrolate because im not sure if the broncos have overacheived or underachived this year...my guess is to say over considering their youth and injuries, in which case, regardless of how the next two games turn out, Jay has done a nice job leading the team.

[SonOfLe-loLang]

Hahahahaha!

A guy who couldn't trouble himself to question Plummer's leadership is suddenly the expert on QB leadership. What is it? Comedy Friday? Next you're going to tell me that I should be more friendly to other people.

What other ironic gems do you care to serve up today?

Comedy Friday!

[Taco John]

If we had either a running game, or Champ Bailey back healthy, I'd say there's no reason to lose this game. This team is crippled and one-dimensional right now - the only thing going for it is the passing game.

Losing this game doesn't say anything about any of the guys on the field. It says more about the guys who *aren't* on the field.

[Hotrod]

Yeah that game sucked. Even worse was waking up hearing that we lost Dwill.
As far as expectations for this game I look at it this way. We're two average teams battling it out on the field and anything can happen.

If Jay/the team turns the ball over I expect a loss. It's not that complicated really.

Wow I was not even thinking about that. What a ****ty season that was....One of the worst weeks of Bronco football ever IMO

[Hotrod]

If we had either a running game, or Champ Bailey back healthy, I'd say there's no reason to lose this game. This team is crippled and one-dimensional right now - the only thing going for it is the passing game.

Losing this game doesn't say anything about any of the guys on the field. It says more about the guys who *aren't* on the field.

So would it not be fair to say winning this game speaks volumes about the guys who are infact on the field? If we win this game with no running game would it not mean Jay had taken a step towards being a leader and big game QB???

[TonyR]

I'm going to serve up some even bigger downers, so stop reading here if you don't want to be depressed.

Check out these comments on the Houston Texans: Poor Houston. The Texans are headed for a respectable 9-7 finish, followed by seven months of building excitement about 2009, then an onslaught of "I'll tell ya who I like as a sleeper -- the Texans!" media picks … and they'll immediately crumble under the weight of those expectations and finish 5-11 next season.

Isn't it possible these comments apply to this Broncos team as well? Many Broncos fans just assume we're on the road to this quantum leap within the next two seasons, but are we? I think it's possible that we are, and I really hope that we are, but aren't the chances just as good that we aren't? Winning this game would go a long way toward making me feel a little more confident.

As for the playoffs, check out these comments on the Cardinals: Where are you going to go in January when you can't run in short-yardage situations and your defense can't get off the field?

These comments apply DIRECTLY to us. Sorry to be Debbie Downer.

Source for quoted comments above: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/081219

[Peoples Champ]

D***, I was at that game. I was mad that new years. And very sad the next day. Rest in Peace Darrant Williams, we miss you.

[bronco militia]

I'm going to serve up some even bigger downers, so stop reading here if you don't want to be depressed.

Check out these comments on the Houston Texans: Poor Houston. The Texans are headed for a respectable 9-7 finish, followed by seven months of building excitement about 2009, then an onslaught of "I'll tell ya who I like as a sleeper -- the Texans!" media picks … and they'll immediately crumble under the weight of those expectations and finish 5-11 next season.

Isn't it possible these comments apply to this Broncos team as well? Many Broncos fans just assume we're on the road to this quantum leap within the next two seasons, but are we? I think it's possible that we are, and I really hope that we are, but aren't the chances just as good that we aren't? Winning this game would go a long way toward making me feel a little more confident.

As for the playoffs, check out these comments on the Cardinals: Where are you going to go in January when you can't run in short-yardage situations and your defense can't get off the field?

These comments apply DIRECTLY to us. Sorry to be Debbie Downer.

Source for quoted comments above: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/081219

jay cutler is the reason for the expectations.

the Texans have big time decisions to make at QB again

[frerottenextelway]

we're the better team - we will win.

[Taco John]

So would it not be fair to say winning this game speaks volumes about the guys who are infact on the field? If we win this game with no running game would it not mean Jay had taken a step towards being a leader and big game QB???


Sure, but that's not what this thread is turning into. It's turning into a deal where people are setting up Jay to take the fall if things don't go right on Sunday.

[Taco John]

Isn't it possible these comments apply to this Broncos team as well?


Uh no. It's not even worth talking about. The comments on the Texans apply to the Texans, not the Broncos.

[Crushaholic]

Cutler is now a Pro Bowl quarterback. He needs to act like one and rally the troops, ESPECIALLY when the chips are down. We can't use the excuse that there is no running game. There is no moping if he throws a few incompletions. Don't worry about it when the refs make a couple of bad calls (which, they will). Refocus and get this done. Whether or not Tampa takes care of business, get that 9th win and ensure that this young team has a winning season. The friendly crowd needs to do whatever they can to motivate the Broncos to victory. This CAN come together. The Broncos just need to go out and DO it...

[Hotrod]

Sure, but that's not what this thread is turning into. It's turning into a deal where people are setting up Jay to take the fall if things don't go right on Sunday.

Fair enough, short of one player just ****ing up a huge play I doubt a loss will be able to be fairly pinned on any one player.

[Meck77]

Sure, but that's not what this thread is turning into. It's turning into a deal where people are setting up Jay to take the fall if things don't go right on Sunday.

Dude we're Broncos fans hoping for win. This isn't about Taco "being right" or you needing to defend Jay Cutler already. For crying out loud they haven't even played the game. We could go out there and crush them. Nobody knows what will happen. It's the nature of this team and no matter how we slice it we're basically average at best. Our record reflects that despite the homers who still think we could win a SB this season. ;D

[frerottenextelway]

Sure, but that's not what this thread is turning into. It's turning into a deal where people are setting up Jay to take the fall if things don't go right on Sunday.

We will win, and they will be back on the wagon for a couple days pretending they were never off of it.

Buffalo is going with a rusty rookie with a limp-noodle for an arm. We match up well to those kind of QBs. The O will put up enough points against a middle of the pack D. Plus they're going through a complete meltdown with an awful coach. There is a reason why they lost 7 of there last 8 games.

The Bills may as well stay on the bus.

[Taco John]

We will win, and they will be back on the wagon for a couple days pretending they were never off of it.

Buffalo is going with a rusty rookie with a limp-noodle for an arm. We match up well to those kind of QBs. The O will put up enough points against a middle of the pack D. Plus they're going through a complete meltdown with an awful coach. There is a reason why they lost 7 of there last 8 games.

The Bills may as well stay on the bus.


I hear that. But like I said before, if we had Hillis and Champ, I'd feel much better about this game.

[Peoples Champ]

we're the better team - we will win.


Thats what I thought about the Raiders at home. And dont pull the Rivalry card.

[Garcia Bronco]

The bills will place us tough and can certainly bet us.

[Taco John]

Thats what I thought about the Raiders at home. And dont pull the Rivalry card.

Why not? We've lost (even been embarassed) by worst Raider teams than that, with better Broncos teams than this. I don't think we're going to see a repeat of the Raiders game here. The rivalry makes anything possible in those games. There isn't as much bad blood in this match-up.

[Taco John]

The bills will place us tough and can certainly bet us.


heh. There's a joke in there somewhere, but I am having a hard time digging it out.

[SoDak Bronco]

Time for Shanny to earn his paycheck...I put this game on his shoulders...He needs to bring a rock solid game plan, get slow to pressure (blitz the $hit out of Edwards) and get the guys amped up. We should be so damn pumped to win this game, I am getting excited typing about it.

[theAPAOps5]

Ok you were called out Gayhawk are you going to sit there and take it? I have my popcorn, RETORT DAMNIT!

[Peoples Champ]

Why not? We've lost (even been embarassed) by worst Raider teams than that, with better Broncos teams than this. I don't think we're going to see a repeat of the Raiders game here. The rivalry makes anything possible in those games. There isn't as much bad blood in this match-up.



Yes, Rivaly games are usually a tough physical battle, even when those worse Raiders teams won. We were annihilated.

[SonOfLe-loLang]

So is it Comedy Friday?

[frerottenextelway]

Thats what I thought about the Raiders at home. And dont pull the Rivalry card.

To state the obvious:

The better team wins the vast majority of the time, that's why they are the better team. There are exceptions to any rule though, but pointing to a past exception doesn't mean a future exception is likely to happen.

[Traveler]

Sorry to say this team will come out flat and emotionless as usual. Edwards will have his best day as a QB this season.

Players are saying the right things, but they always do that. Unless we get some kind of pressure on Edwards, I'm expecting another Miami type game.

[theAPAOps5]

Sorry to say this team will come out flat and emotionless as usual. Edwards will have his best day as a QB this season.

Players are saying the right things, but they always do that. Unless we get some kind of pressure on Edwards, I'm expecting another Miami type game.


I think you are dead wrong.

[SoDak Bronco]

I'm expecting another Jets type game..

[Taco John]

Sorry to say this team will come out flat and emotionless as usual.



You think our team usually comes out flat and emotionless?

[Hotrod]

So is it Comedy Friday?

The key will be to rush 2 and drop 9. Also both safetys should line up 25 yards off the line pre-snap. How was that???

Oh wait we have done those things before :nono:

[TailgateNut]

Good news is after much debate I will be watching this game live from my couch on the big screen in front of the fireplace :)


Ya Poontang!

[Taco John]

I think we're going to see a game similar to what we saw last week, with the exception that the Bills don't have a Steve Smith on their team who we have no answer for. I think both teams will struggle, and in the end, the team that has the best running game will carry the day.

[Hotrod]

Ya Poontang!


Sorry boss I came really close to making this game so I could bring you some GWB bumper stickers but I just cant make it ;)

[Hotrod]

I think we're going to see a game similar to what we saw last week, with the exception that the Bills don't have a Steve Smith on their team who we have no answer for. I think both teams will struggle, and in the end, the team that has the best running game will carry the day.

Then you better get yourself prepared for a showdown in San Diego.

[TailgateNut]

Sorry boss I came really close to making this game so I could bring you some GWB bumper stickers but I just cant make it ;)

What's the problem? Is your insulated chastity belt in the pawn shop?

[Taco John]

Then you better get yourself prepared for a showdown in San Diego.

I haven't completely given up on our ability to run the ball yet. Maybe this week, the coaches will keep Selvin on the sidelines and feature Pope. I think that if we gave Pope 20 carries, he'd do us proud.

[TonyR]

I think we're going to see a game similar to what we saw last week, with the exception that the Bills don't have a Steve Smith on their team who we have no answer for. I think both teams will struggle, and in the end, the team that has the best running game will carry the day.

You better hope not because Lee Evans is pretty good and Marshawn Lynch is better than all of our RB's put together.

[Hotrod]

What's the problem? Is your insulated chastity belt in the pawn shop?

LOL that was actually pretty good.

Sadly my son is sick so I'm stuck here for the weekend

[oubronco]

I haven't completely given up on our ability to run the ball yet. Maybe this week, the coaches will keep Selvin on the sidelines and feature Pope. I think that if we gave Pope 20 carries, he'd do us proud.

give somebody 20 carries noone can get in a rythym getting 5-8 carries a ball game

[BigPlayShay]

I actually watched the 2006 SF game last night. We had 3 possessions inside the 49ers 4 yard like that netted us 9 points off 3 FGs. It was tough to watch again. There were so many missed opportunities in that game. The red zone failures, the ruling on Tatum's strange fumble, PI that should have been called against SF, Jakes horrible decision on his INT.

This offense is better than that teams for sure. The Defense is nowhere close. Champ has to play, he just has to.

[TonyR]

Buffalo is going with a rusty rookie with a limp-noodle for an arm.

Trent Edwards is a "rusty rookie with a limp-noodle for an arm"? I thought he was playing or has this changed again?

[Peoples Champ]

Why not? We've lost (even been embarassed) by worst Raider teams than that, with better Broncos teams than this. I don't think we're going to see a repeat of the Raiders game here. The rivalry makes anything possible in those games. There isn't as much bad blood in this match-up.



Ya what am I talking about. Any Given Sunday Right? I guess i am sitll bitter and counted that as a win before the game. My bad.

[BroncoFiend]

Other than having no defense and no running game in the thick of NFL football in December - rrrrright. No excuses....


Reality check people: we have no reason to win either of the next two games. Fans should be expecting to lose both of them, and delighted if we win them. Obviously we want to win them. But we shouldn't be setting our expectations on it and crucifying our best player(s) if it doesn't happen.

Sorry Taco, I get all the reverse mojo thing, but the Broncos are a better team than Buffalo, are playing at home and have a hell of a lot more to play for. It will be reasonable to be VERY disappointed in them if they do not prevail.

[frerottenextelway]

Trent Edwards is a "rusty rookie with a limp-noodle for an arm"? I thought he was playing or has this changed again?

Sorry, a 2nd year limp wristed QB (but w/ only like 20 games under his belt).

[go_broncos]

Without running game and a defense..it is tough to win games.

Bills have good special teams and running game.

Regarding Edwards being average QB, we lost to Huard and Russell.

I don't know how people are confident that we can win against Bills.

Unless, we improve our defense, I always feel that we can lose to any team
(including Detriot).

[Kaylore]

You think our team usually comes out flat and emotionless?

The common criticism of the Broncos in a loss is "This team has no heart." No one knows what that means, but its the most common (and worthless) criticism thrown around these parts.

[Traveler]

I think you are dead wrong.

I hope I am.

[Traveler]

You think our team usually comes out flat and emotionless?

More often than not....yes I do.

[Rohirrim]

More often than not....yes I do.

I have to disagree with that one. I think their major failing (besides the one out of their control - injuries) is the same failing most teams have when vets are outnumbered by rookies: Inconsistency. I think the only thing that solves that is time and experience. That's been the problem this year. I don't know who's going to show up.

[lazarus4444]

The reason they are playing edwards is because they know even with their ****ty pro bowl LT who has given up double digit sacks, we won't come anywhere close to sacking edwards or putting him on the ground, that just isn't our defense (sadly enough). So they are not worried about edwards getting hurt because the only way his uniform will get dirty is if he trips.

[Traveler]

The common criticism of the Broncos in a loss is "This team has no heart." No one knows what that means, but its the most common (and worthless) criticism thrown around these parts.

That might be true but it still applies. Having heart can't measured, but you can recognize who has it and who doesn't.

Cutler, Clady, Champ, Woodyard, Hillis, and DJ are some of the few Broncos that have it. It's evident whenever you see them play. They force their will and make the necessary play. A majority of the team is too nonchalant (sp?) and listless IMO.

Whether it be a lack of talent, applying yourself mentally, or whatever, I see too many of our players seemingly going through the motions. They rarely rise to the occasion when they control their own destiny. It's been a trait of the Broncos for quite some time.

Maybe I'm just too pessimistic, but rarely have they proven me wrong.

[SonOfLe-loLang]

The common criticism of the Broncos in a loss is "This team has no heart." No one knows what that means, but its the most common (and worthless) criticism thrown around these parts.

Not just these parts, it's the stupidest criticism of teams in general. It's an easy go-to when your team loses, but as you inferred, it's based on absolutely nothing and just becomes an all encompassing buzz term that represents a load of BS. It was a common talking point after last weeks game, but where is the proof that "this team has no heart?" You can play hard and get beat. You can play hard and make mental mistakes.

[SonOfLe-loLang]

That might be true but it still applies. Having heart can't measured, but you can recognize who has it and who doesn't.

Cutler, Clady, Champ, Woodyard, Hillis, and DJ are some of the few Broncos that have it. It's evident whenever you see them play. They force their will and make the necessary play. A majority of the team is too nonchalant (sp?) and listless IMO.

Whether it be a lack of talent, applying yourself mentally, or whatever, I see too many of our players seemingly going through the motions. They rarely rise to the occasion when they control their own destiny. It's been a trait of the Broncos for quite some time.

Maybe I'm just too pessimistic, but rarely have they proven me wrong.


Did you ever think those guys are just talented football players? To wit, the D'Angelo TD run last week (a play im sure sticks in many's craw). A guy like Josh Barrett sprints, busts his ass, to put himself in the wrong position to make a play and, as a result, d'angelo scores a touchdown because of a mental error. What's this have to do with "heart?" NOTHING, because it's BS, but im sure thats a play where people were moaning about "want-to" and "heart"

[frerottenextelway]

Not just these parts, it's the stupidest criticism of teams in general. It's an easy go-to when your team loses, but as you inferred, it's based on absolutely nothing and just becomes an all encompassing buzz term that represents a load of BS. It was a common talking point after last weeks game, but where is the proof that "this team has no heart?" You can play hard and get beat. You can play hard and make mental mistakes.

Yeah. I think some peeps have a hard time coming to grips that sometimes the ''other guy was just better''. It can't be that they won, it needs to be that we lost.

[chickennob2]

Don't compare this to the saddest night in the history of the Broncos. Losing to a bad team to miss the playoffs, sending the Chiefs instead. And then that night/next morning losing Darrent Williams. God that sucked.

[Traveler]

Did you ever think those guys are just talented football players? To wit, the D'Angelo TD run last week (a play im sure sticks in many's craw). A guy like Josh Barrett sprints, busts his ass, to put himself in the wrong position to make a play and, as a result, d'angelo scores a touchdown because of a mental error. What's this have to do with "heart?" NOTHING, because it's BS, but im sure thats a play where people were moaning about "want-to" and "heart"

We can go back and forth all day on this. Hell, Jeff George was a talented player, so was Ryan Leaf. But neither of them had heart.

You've said nothing to disprove my point.

[Traveler]

Let's revisit this thread after the game.

[SonOfLe-loLang]

We can go back and forth all day on this. Hell, Jeff George was a talented player, so was Ryan Leaf. But neither of them had heart.

You've said nothing to disprove my point.

You're right, we could. I still think its stupid and completely up to arbitrary judgement. It's like voting on the oscars...retarded

[Play2win]

I, for one, think Jay Cutler will come out Firing Bullets... and will will be up 21-0 before we know it...

This really matters to Shanahan, so I don't think he'll be pulling any punches...

We ARE in Playoff Mode...

[Kaylore]

That might be true but it still applies. Having heart can't measured, but you can recognize who has it and who doesn't.

Cutler, Clady, Champ, Woodyard, Hillis, and DJ are some of the few Broncos that have it.
That's called beeing good at football. Engleberger goes hard every play, but he isn't as talented as 95% of the rest of the league. Does he lack heart too? What about Royal? Royal plays every snap like it's his last. No heart, because Traveler says he doesn't have any. Dumervil isn't getting blown off the ball because he's small. No siree, Traveler has correctly diagnosed that his heart is not big enough. Perhaps the children of Whoville can help the Broncos win more games with some Christmas singing!

It's the stupidest criticism I hear about the team and its unfortunately the most common one dropped. Its assumed that when someone is getting beat just having more heart would get it done. False. The majority of the time they are going all out and getting beat because the other guy is better.

[TonyR]

IThis really matters to Shanahan, so I don't think he'll be pulling any punches...


Well, Oakland matters to Shanny too and look what happened the last time we played them...

[Traveler]

[b]That's called beeing good at football. Engleberger goes hard every play, but he isn't as talented as 95% of the rest of the league. Does he lack heart too? What about Royal? Royal plays every snap like it's his last. No heart, because Traveler says he doesn't have any. Dumervil isn't getting blown off the ball because he's small. No siree, Traveler has correctly diagnosed that his heart is not big enough. Perhaps the children of Whoville can help the Broncos win more games with some Christmas singing!

It's the stupidest criticism I hear about the team and its unfortunately the most common one dropped. Its assumed that when someone is getting beat just having more heart would get it done. False. The majority of the time they are going all out and getting beat because the other guy is better.


Love the sarcasm. I'm not arguing talent. That's a totally different conversation. You should direct what you said above to SonOfLe-loLang.

Whether you think it's stupid or not, I really don't care. All I'm saying is it's evident who on our team has heart and who doesn't.

[razorwire77]

It's funny that any one is trying to predict with any seriousness what type of Bronco team will show up this week. Honestly, no one knows. It wouldn't surprise me if Jay comes throwing accurate darts, BMarsh makes some big-time catches, Tony stretches the defense and makes a couple of 20 yard grabs, Tater gets outside on a mediocre Bills defense and breaks a long run or two. If that happens we could roll by 30.

It wouldn't suprise me if we get pouty Jay and dropsy Marshall, and Lynch goes Corey Dillion on us for 250, and we lose by 30. All I know is I will be drinking.

[Kaylore]

Love the sarcasm. I'm not arguing talent. That's a totally different conversation. You should direct what you said above to SonOfLe-loLang.

Whether you think it's stupid or not, I really don't care. All I'm saying is it's evident who on our team has heart and who doesn't.

So tell me could you list the teams that do have heart?

[cutthemdown]

The main reason I worry if because Broncos aren't very good and can lose to virtually any team in the NFL at any time.

[SonOfLe-loLang]

Love the sarcasm. I'm not arguing talent. That's a totally different conversation. You should direct what you said above to SonOfLe-loLang.

Whether you think it's stupid or not, I really don't care. All I'm saying is it's evident who on our team has heart and who doesn't.

I was in full agreement with Kaylore, why would should that be directed at me?

[Traveler]

So tell me could you list the teams that do have heart?

It's an individual, not a team thing. I guess now you want me to name individuals, right?

[Traveler]

I was in full agreement with Kaylore, why would should that be directed at me?

Did you ever think those guys are just talented football players. To wit, the D'Angelo TD run last week (a play im sure sticks in many's craw). A guy like Josh Barrett sprints, busts his ass, to put himself in the wrong position to make a play and, as a result, d'angelo scores a touchdown because of a mental error. What's this have to do with "heart?" NOTHING, because it's BS, but im sure thats a play where people were moaning about "want-to" and "heart"?

You are arguing talent, or lack thereof.

[sirhcyennek81]

You are arguing talent, or lack thereof.


Barrett can fly, its not a matter of talent with him, but field awareness, which comes with time.

:Broncos:

[Tombstone RJ]

The 7-9 Niners were coming into Invesco. Broncos were favored by a touchdown, I think. Then everything went wrong and by losing the game pushed the Chiefs into the playoffs.

Here we are in '08 and the 6-8 Bills are coming to Denver. I was listening to the Bronco players interviews and they all are pretty confident talking like they got this one easy. Buffalo gave the Jets a run for their money and when they've been able to execute are a dangerous team. Lynch is the real deal at running back. Now Clady and Kuper, our two most consistent linemen, are injured. Everything's setting up for San Diego. I just have a bad feeling that Tampa is going to fold in the final seconds against the Boltz and we'll let this one get away because we're acting all cocky and this is the kind of game we lose.

Thoughts?

I'm really not worried at all. I think the entire Broncos organization from Bowlen down to the towel boy knows how important this game is. I bet the Broncos destroy the Bills and bring then perhaps lay an egg against Sandy Eggo.

[SonOfLe-loLang]

You are arguing talent, or lack thereof.

I think you missed my point

[Traveler]

Barrett can fly, its not a matter of talent with him, but field awareness, which comes with time.

:Broncos:

Agree.

[Kaylore]

It's an individual, not a team thing. I guess now you want me to name individuals, right?

No you already did that. I just hear about how the Broncos don't play with heart, especially after loses. I wonder what the teams that play with heart are.

[Hotrod]

No you already did that. I just hear about how the Broncos don't play with heart, especially after loses. I wonder what the teams that play with heart are.

Usually college/high school teams. They still play for free

[sirhcyennek81]

This Broncos team is young, and because they are young have a hard time focusing every week on what needs to be done. Which is why we get efforts like in New York or Oakland or efforts like in Carolina or New England. This comes with the territory. Up one week or down the next. Its not a matter of lack of talent or heart, they are just too young to act like professionals on a week in and week out basis. I promise you Denver wins the next 3 games, simply because they are not supposed to. Thats how this team is.


:Broncos:

[ludo21]

i think this game will be tough and is exactly like the niner game in that its a must win.

Will the results differ? I hope so!

[Traveler]

I think you missed my point

No, I believe I understand you fully. You are using an entirely different argument (talent) while tying to relate it to whether or not an individual has heart, intestinal fortitude or whatever you want to call it.

My point is that this team as a whole (not all the individuals on it) rarely rises to the occasion when they can control their own destiny. That's listlessness and lack of heart IMO.

We'll see on Sunday if they hold to form.

[Popps]

I actually think we played with some heart at Carolina. We were just outclassed and made some mistakes. I don't think this team is quitting, but I think Shanahan faces a steep challenge figuring out how to replace Hillis' first-down productivity. (Or even Pittman, for that matter.) Starting out 2nd and 9, 3rd and 7 on every drive catches up to you.

Shanahan has to figure out a way to fabricate a running game. This weekend is the time to start.

[SonOfLe-loLang]

No, I believe I understand you fully. You are using an entirely different argument (talent) while tying to relate it to whether or not an individual has heart, intestinal fortitude or whatever you want to call it.

My point is that this team as a whole (not all the individuals on it) rarely rises to the occasion when they can control their own destiny. That's listlessness and lack of heart IMO.

We'll see on Sunday if they hold to form.

Youre still basing that on nothing but your opinion. its a scapegoat as to why they lost.

[sirhcyennek81]

I actually think we played with some heart at Carolina. We were just outclassed and made some mistakes. I don't think this team is quitting, but I think Shanahan faces a steep challenge figuring out how to replace Hillis' first-down productivity. (Or even Pittman, for that matter.) Starting out 2nd and 9, 3rd and 7 on every drive catches up to you.

Shanahan has to figure out a way to fabricate a running game. This weekend is the time to start.


And this is why Hillis is the 2009 opening day starter at Halfback...


:Broncos:

[Taco John]

I'm going to have to break out the Intangometer this weekend to register whether or not Jay is showing enough heart. The Intangometer never fails me.

[Play2win]

This Broncos team is young, and because they are young have a hard time focusing every week on what needs to be done. Which is why we get efforts like in New York or Oakland or efforts like in Carolina or New England. This comes with the territory. Up one week or down the next. Its not a matter of lack of talent or heart, they are just too young to act like professionals on a week in and week out basis. I promise you Denver wins the next 3 games, simply because they are not supposed to. Thats how this team is.


:Broncos:

Exactly why they might still be a real dangerous team in the playoffs this year.

[Dedhed]

So predictable.

If Jay cant lead the team to at least one more win this season people have every right to start questioning his leadership.

That's laughable. This team should be 3-11, and would be without Jay.

[Kaylore]

That's laughable. This team should be 3-11, and would be without Jay.

I think Alec really pins all of the wins and loses on the QB. He was pimping Kerry Collins as the league MVP. It's almost like he thinks the QB is responsible for the offense, defense, special teams and health of the team. If the team is injured or has a bad defense then it's the QB's fault. If the team is winning a lot of games and QB hands of ten times and throws two passes, then Alec believes that QB is better than another, more productive QB that is on poor team that doesn't win as much.

Weird? Yes. Illogical? Yes.

[theAPAOps5]

Alec hasn't fully recovered from the benching of his man crush Vince Young.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Wow, two years later and your defense still hasn't improved.

BTW, you better believe I saved **** from that day. Best birthday present EVER!

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/7561/dxs1171231211024x768nz6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/8453/dxs1200101031024x768hp6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Peoples Champ]

<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=oddrow><TD><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=colhead><TD colSpan=2>RUSHING YARDS</TD><TD align=right>YDS</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow><TD align=middle width="20%" rowSpan=5>http://assets.espn.go.com/i/headshots/nfl/players/65/2553.jpg (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=2553)
LaDainian
Tomlinson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=2553)</TD><TD width="68%" height=18>1. LaDainian Tomlinson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=2553), SD</TD><TD align=right width="12%" height=18>1815</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD width="68%" height=18>2. Larry Johnson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=4485), KC</TD><TD align=right width="12%" height=18>1789</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow><TD width="68%" height=18>3. Frank Gore (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=8479), SF</TD><TD align=right width="12%" height=18>1695</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD width="68%" height=18>4. Tiki Barber (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=1218), NYG</TD><TD align=right width="12%" height=18>1662</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow><TD width="68%" height=18>5. Steven Jackson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=5549), STL</TD><TD align=right width="12%" height=18>1528</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD class=bi align=middle colSpan=3>Complete Leaders (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/statistics?stat=rush&sort=yds&league=nfl&season=2&year=2006)</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>






I am glad in the playoffs the AFC's second leading rusher LJ ran so well again the colts Last ranked Run D

<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=oddrow align=right><TD align=left>29</TD><TD align=left>Cleveland (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=cle)</TD><TD>514</TD><TD>2275</TD><TD>4.4</TD><TD class=sortcell>
YPG
142.2
</TD><TD>59</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>9</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>30</TD><TD align=left>Tennessee (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=ten)</TD><TD>506</TD><TD>2313</TD><TD>4.6</TD><TD class=sortcell>144.6</TD><TD>73</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>7</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow align=right><TD align=left>31</TD><TD align=left>St. Louis (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=stl)</TD><TD>477</TD><TD>2327</TD><TD>4.9</TD><TD class=sortcell>145.4</TD><TD>51</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>13</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>32</TD><TD align=left>Indianapolis (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=ind)</TD><TD>519</TD><TD>2768</TD><TD>5.3</TD><TD class=sortcell>173.0</TD><TD>76</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>11</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
</TD><TD><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=colhead><TD colSpan=2>SACKS</TD><TD align=right>SACK</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow><TD align=middle width="20%" rowSpan=5>http://assets.espn.go.com/i/headshots/nfl/players/65/8427.jpg (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=8427)
Shawne
Merriman (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=8427)</TD><TD width="68%" height=18>1. Shawne Merriman (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=8427), SD</TD><TD align=right width="12%" height=18>17</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD width="68%" height=18>2. Aaron Kampman (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=3684), GNB</TD><TD align=right width="12%" height=18>15.5</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow><TD width="68%" height=18>3. Aaron Schobel (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=2594), BUF</TD><TD align=right width="12%" height=18>14</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD width="68%" height=18>4. Jason Taylor (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=1245), MIA</TD><TD align=right width="12%" height=18>13.5</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow><TD width="68%" height=18>5. Leonard Little (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=1621), STL</TD><TD align=right width="12%" height=18>13</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow><TD class=bi align=middle colSpan=3>Complete Leaders (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/statistics?stat=def&sort=sack&league=nfl&season=2&year=2006)</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[vancejohnson82]

oh man....those pics suck....

i thought we had it after Champs pick 6.....and then again when we drove down the field late and scored...

UNREAL...

[Peoples Champ]

Great playoff appearence, KC

http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/boxscore?gameId=270106011


44 yards on leagues worst rush D. Come on Larry Johnson.

[Rohirrim]

Wow, two years later and your defense still hasn't improved.

BTW, you better believe I saved **** from that day. Best birthday present EVER!



Someday, some internets wizard will invent software that allows me to reach into my screen and slap the **** out of somebody.

[sirhcyennek81]

Someday, some internets wizard will invent software that allows me to reach into my screen and slap the **** out of somebody.


Soon...soon...



:Broncos:

[Taco John]

Someday, some internets wizard will invent software that allows me to reach into my screen and slap the **** out of somebody.

http://www.freemyspacegraphics.com/Graphics/Funny_Animations/images/13.gif

[baja]

The 7-9 Niners were coming into Invesco. Broncos were favored by a touchdown, I think. Then everything went wrong and by losing the game pushed the Chiefs into the playoffs.

Here we are in '08 and the 6-8 Bills are coming to Denver. I was listening to the Bronco players interviews and they all are pretty confident talking like they got this one easy. Buffalo gave the Jets a run for their money and when they've been able to execute are a dangerous team. Lynch is the real deal at running back. Now Clady and Kuper, our two most consistent linemen, are injured. Everything's setting up for San Diego. I just have a bad feeling that Tampa is going to fold in the final seconds against the Boltz and we'll let this one get away because we're acting all cocky and this is the kind of game we lose.

Thoughts?

This is exactly why I say the Bolts will win the division.... And you call me negative. Gezzz

[Bob's your Information Minister]

http://www.freemyspacegraphics.com/Graphics/Funny_Animations/images/13.gif

What horrible latency...that guy needs a better connection.

[azbroncfan]

Great playoff appearence, KC

http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/boxscore?gameId=270106011


44 yards on leagues worst rush D. Come on Larry Johnson.

At least they got a bunch of first downs and looked competitive in the game. In reality Cinn and Denver both screwed up allowing KC to back into the playoffs and play an INDY team that played one of their worst games of the year and were still able to win. I think Denver makes the playoffs and loses in a typical Denver/colt game in the first round.

[Los Broncos]

Yep, prefect set up for us to blow it, lets hope not.

[mhgaffney]

You will recall that SF won that game not only because they were more physical.

They went after Jay and knocked him out of the game. At the time we did not have an offensive line worthy of the name.

[broncosteven]

The 7-9 Niners were coming into Invesco. Broncos were favored by a touchdown, I think. Then everything went wrong and by losing the game pushed the Chiefs into the playoffs.

...

Thoughts?

At least we don't have George Foster to Turnstile a "block" giving Cutler a concussion.

We also don't have a QB with aspirations for a Career change to the Local Mens Handball tourneys going in for our Rookie QB and throwing for a 0.0% QB percentage.

That actually was a good game minus Plummers performance and the Pick Cutler threw for a pick 6. The drive to tie the game late was huge. Too bad we could not stop Frank Gore in OT.

If they protect the ball and score more than 10 points I think we win.

[Dedhed]

If we blow this one, we don't deserve to be in the playoffs. However, I feel confident that even if we lose and the Chargers win, we'll beat them in their place next week.

We've lost some games this year, but the Chargers have proven that they're losers. There's a big difference.

[Northman]

Nah, doesnt feel like the Niners game because i thought for sure we would be SF. I dont get the same feeling here as i know we could very well lose to Buff.

[Meck77]

It's funny that any one is trying to predict with any seriousness what type of Bronco team will show up this week. Honestly, no one knows. It wouldn't surprise me if Jay comes throwing accurate darts, BMarsh makes some big-time catches, Tony stretches the defense and makes a couple of 20 yard grabs, Tater gets outside on a mediocre Bills defense and breaks a long run or two. If that happens we could roll by 30.

It wouldn't suprise me if we get pouty Jay and dropsy Marshall, and Lynch goes Corey Dillion on us for 250, and we lose by 30. All I know is I will be drinking.

Bingo.......There are different types of football fans and they are evolving....

1 ) Football fan-They follow and support one football team.
2) Bandwagon fan-no explanation needed
2) Fantasy football fan- they'll sit thru a live NFL game and not even pay attention to the game in front of them.
3) Messageboard fans- The outcome of the football game is irrelevant as long as it fits their predictions. Being right is what it's all about even if it means your football team tanked but their goal is to be able to say "I told you so"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If anyone really knew WTF they were talking about around here they'd quit their day job and make a living betting on the Broncos. I don't think anyone here is doing that.

With that being said here is my prediction. Broncos win if we have less turnovers then the Bills. It's as simple as that. :thanku: Meck told you so!

[baja]

Bingo.......There are different types of football fans and they are evolving....

1 ) Football fan-They follow and support one football team.
2) Bandwagon fan-no explanation needed
2) Fantasy football fan- they'll sit thru a live NFL game and not even pay attention to the game in front of them.
3) Messageboard fans- The outcome of the football game is irrelevant as long as it fits their predictions. Being right is what it's all about even if it means your football team tanked but their goal is to be able to say "I told you so"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If anyone really knew WTF they were talking about around here they'd quit their day job and make a living betting on the Broncos. I don't think anyone here is doing that.

With that being said here is my prediction. Broncos win if we have less turnovers then the Bills. It's as simple as that. :thanku: Meck told you so!

Slap does. Oh he left the board, wonder why.

[broncofan7]

Bingo.......There are different types of football fans and they are evolving....

1 ) Football fan-They follow and support one football team.
2) Bandwagon fan-no explanation needed
2) Fantasy football fan- they'll sit thru a live NFL game and not even pay attention to the game in front of them.
3) Messageboard fans- The outcome of the football game is irrelevant as long as it fits their predictions. Being right is what it's all about even if it means your football team tanked but their goal is to be able to say "I told you so"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If anyone really knew WTF they were talking about around here they'd quit their day job and make a living betting on the Broncos. I don't think anyone here is doing that.

With that being said here is my prediction. Broncos win if we have less turnovers then the Bills. It's as simple as that. :thanku: Meck told you so!

Take Buf to cover (+6.5) but Denver to win.

[Rohirrim]

Bingo.......There are different types of football fans and they are evolving....

1 ) Football fan-They follow and support one football team.
2) Bandwagon fan-no explanation needed
2) Fantasy football fan- they'll sit thru a live NFL game and not even pay attention to the game in front of them.
3) Messageboard fans- The outcome of the football game is irrelevant as long as it fits their predictions. Being right is what it's all about even if it means your football team tanked but their goal is to be able to say "I told you so"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If anyone really knew WTF they were talking about around here they'd quit their day job and make a living betting on the Broncos. I don't think anyone here is doing that.

With that being said here is my prediction. Broncos win if we have less turnovers then the Bills. It's as simple as that. :thanku: Meck told you so!

You forgot the Prestige Fans: Like to show off their luxury box season tickets. Go to games to be seen, not to watch. Couldn't even tell you the Broncos basic starting lineup, other than Champ (and that's only because they bought a #24 authentic jersey to be cool) and they don't even realize he's not playing. Go to games to discuss wine and hedge funds.

[broncofan7]

You forgot the Prestige Fans: Like to show off their luxury box season tickets. Go to games to be seen, not to watch. Couldn't even tell you the Broncos basic starting lineup, other than Champ (and that's only because they bought a #24 authentic jersey to be cool) and they don't even realize he's not playing. Go to games to discuss wine and hedge funds.

It turns the stomach 4 sho'........Dallas 'fans' are as fairweather as they come and I cannot even imagine how bad it will get when Jerry World open next year. I am somewhat surprised that CO has that many 'wine & cheesers', I have always pictured CO as more of a workin' man's state.

[theAPAOps5]

Take Buf to cover (+6.5) but Denver to win.

Exactly! They are easy money if you Bet their opponents to cover the spread especially in Denver.

[theAPAOps5]

It turns the stomach 4 sho'........Dallas 'fans' are as fairweather as they come and I cannot even imagine how bad it will get when Jerry World open next year. I am somewhat surprised that CO has that many 'wine & cheesers', I have always pictured CO as more of a workin' man's state.

HA not in Denver very high tech and high population of residents with degrees.

Now Southern Colorado, the Easter Plains, and parts of the Mountain West thats working man.

But the Front Range(I-25 corridor) has shifted away from that.

[broncofan7]

HA not in Denver very high tech and high population of residents with degrees.

Now Southern Colorado, the Easter Plains, and parts of the Mountain West thats working man.

But the Front Range(I-25 corridor) has shifted away from that.

My wife is a sales person in Tech (circuit boards) and she used to have a decent amount of business in the area as recently as 2006--but she doesn't have any more clients in the Denver area any longer as the companies that she used to work with have shut down/sold off. and i thought that the real estate market was farily inexpensive b/c foreclosures are up in CO due to a suspect job market...but my perception is probably wrong. I have only been to Denver 4 times but have enjoyed it each time.

[Rock Chalk]

Hahahahaha!

A guy who couldn't trouble himself to question Plummer's leadership is suddenly the expert on QB leadership. What is it? Comedy Friday? Next you're going to tell me that I should be more friendly to other people.

What other ironic gems do you care to serve up today?

A guy who thought that Jake Plummer was the worst thing to ever happen to Denver yet slobbed Griese's knob until the very end and thinks Jay Cutler can do no wrong when he is just another mortal like the rest of us has something to say to me?

Come back when you learn something moron. When Jay started I knew you would defend him no matter what. Where's your little chart now on the QB ratings? Where is all your hard work in showing how bad Jay has played when he has been off? Where is your ctiticism of our QB when he throws a stupid interception for no ****ing reason?

You are so predictable. You tie yourself to guys you want to be great. I love the fact that Jay is on our team but he isnt perfect and he is never going to be what you think he is. He will not single handedly take a crap team to the superbowl. He needs help, and like when Plummer was our QB, the problem is on defense.

You are way too ****ign stupid to understand that though. You never have got it and I dont think you ever will.

[baja]

ban him

[Dagmar]

ban me

;)

[rastaman]

No more excuses. Time for Jay to step through the door into 'winners-ville'. He's always had the excuse that he never got to play in a big game at Vandy. Well, in the immortal words of Yoda:

Do or do not; there is no try.

Let's hope he grabs this opportunity and carves up some Buffalo meat on Sunday.

Yep! If we get the Jay that hangs his head and feels sorry for himself or pouts on the sidelines vs dealing with whatever adversity comes his way over the next two weeks.....The Broncos more than likely loose their last two games.

So yes Jay....you have bragged you have a stronger arm than Elway!!! Let's see you display Elways mental toughness, perserverance, leadership and smarts under pressure----which you will undoubtedly find yourself in over the next two weeks.

[SoCalBronco]

Then you better get yourself prepared for a showdown in San Diego.

There's no such thing as a "showdown in San Diego". If they beat TB and we let them off the hook again by losing ANOTHER home game to a mediocre team, then we're going to get completely and utterly destroyed in San Diego. They'll be riding such a high and we'll be in the lowest of lows after blowing it in extremely embarassing fashion. It's going to be something like 40-17. This week IS for the division championship. This is the title fight right here. If next week has meaning, its going to be UGLY....and that's an understatement.

Everything is on the line, tomorrow. It will ALL be decided tomorrow. Week 17 has no value as a showdown. Either DEN wins, or TB wins.... or SD wins the division. Period.

[Traveler]

No, I believe I understand you fully. You are using an entirely different argument (talent) while tying to relate it to whether or not an individual has heart, intestinal fortitude or whatever you want to call it.

My point is that this team as a whole (not all the individuals on it) rarely rises to the occasion when they can control their own destiny. That's listlessness and lack of heart IMO.

We'll see on Sunday if they hold to form.

Pathetic! I think I've made my point...enough said!

[azbroncfan]

There's no such thing as a "showdown in San Diego". If they beat TB and we let them off the hook again by losing ANOTHER home game to a mediocre team, then we're going to get completely and utterly destroyed in San Diego. They'll be riding such a high and we'll be in the lowest of lows after blowing it in extremely embarassing fashion. It's going to be something like 40-17. This week IS for the division championship. This is the title fight right here. If next week has meaning, its going to be UGLY....and that's an understatement.

Everything is on the line, tomorrow. It will ALL be decided tomorrow. Week 17 has no value as a showdown. Either DEN wins, or TB wins.... or SD wins the division. Period.



This is 100 percent true. Why does everyone make excuses for a ****ty mediocre team that reflects it's record. If they win in SD it just get's Denver one more blowout game against the colts where Manning looks like the best ever.

[Traveler]

How the Stench Stole Christmas!" by Dr. Wuss.

The Broncos choked Xmas! Maybe the whole postseason! Now, please don't ask why. The Broncos don't know the reason.

Jay Cutler said, "Next question." He's the one who threw the interception. "We didn't get it done," Brandon Marshall grumbled. He's the one who caught the ball and fumbled. Mike Shanahan said, "We didn't take advantage of the opportunity." He and the team ruined Christmas for the entire community.

It could be the Broncos' heads weren't screwed on just right. It could be, perhaps, that they played the game too tight.

But I think the most likely cause of all was that their hearts were two sizes too small.

* * *

The playoff clinch became a wretched grinch of a game.

Fa-la-la-la . . . aaaahhhh, baaaahhhh!

Two guys roaming the lower concourse at the stadium were dressed as bright orange Christmas trees Sunday.

They were ready to get lit up when the Broncos wild-billed Buffalo and won the AFC West title, made the playoffs and made Christmas merry.

Instead, when Cutler threw the third-down bad pick at the goal line with 5:35 remaining, then threw a fourth-down incomplete pass in the end zone with 32 seconds left, the Broncos lost 30-23. The branches of the orange trees sagged; the needles dropped off; their ornaments froze, and they pined sorrowfully for their beaten Broncos.

Only seven more shopping days until the Broncos are eliminated in San Diego. A three-game division lead with three games to go could turn into the worst meltdown in the history of the Broncos and the history of the National Football League.

Or they could win. Forgive everyone in Denver if the confidence level is not so high after that dreadful effort against Buffalo, playing for wings and a prayer.

The Broncos coulda, shoulda, woulda put away the Bills in the first quarter, but they had no pride, no purpose, no ouldas.

They gave away the victory, as if it were a neatly

(Click image to enlarge)wrapped gift handed to a waif on the street.
Here's where it began to break down: After going through Buffalo's defense like scissors through tissue, the Broncos stopped the Bills, and Eddie Royal took off on a 71-yard end-around. If the Broncos score another touchdown, the Bills would have accepted their fate and bundled up for a long winter's nap. However, when the Broncos were reduced to kicking a field goal, visions of sugar plums danced in the Bills' minds.

When Mike Shanahan asked Matt Prater to attempt a 54-yard field goal with two minutes to go before halftime, he might as well have asked a chimney sweep. Prater missed; Buffalo scored a touchdown and Denver's lead was reduced to three.

Here's where it got dicey: At the end of the third/beginning of the fourth, Buffalo scored touchdowns on back-to-back possessions to go up 30-23. The Bills know how to play in this weather. The Broncos don't know whether or not to play.

Here's where it got very cold: A Cutler pass was picked off, but the play was waved off by a flag. Yet, Cutler didn't learn from his brrrr errrrorr. On third-and-10 at the Buffalo 15, he passed toward Marshall, who was double-covered, a quilt and a blanket, and Cutler, as before this season, threw an interception at or in the end zone.

Buffalo got the ball, but the Broncos got another chance in the final minute.

At the Buffalo 20, Cutler missed an open Brandon Stokley in the end zone. Underthrows and overthrows, and the Broncos

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were through throwing.
The stench that stole Christmas came from the Broncos' offense, the Broncos' defense and the Broncos (non-)special teams. Lumps of coal for them all.

The Broncos had two turnovers, the Bills zero. Same old in this season. In three of the past five games, the Broncos gave up 30 or 31 points and lost. When the Broncos score fewer than 24, they are 1-7. They were 4-4 at home. And they keep going down an up escalator.

Off to San Diego, and let me be among the first to mention to the Broncos that they won't have their mothers or Ed Hochuli to protect them.

The Broncos have finished the regular season in San Diego seven times. They have won one.

"Now we have to go into their backyard and show them we are the better team," Marshall said.

"If you had said to us at the beginning of the year that it would come down to us and San Diego in the final game, we would have taken that," Cutler said.

"The bottom line is either you get it done or you don't get it done," Shanahan said.

The real bottom line is if the Broncos come undone again, they're done.

They've gotten what they deserve.

The Broncos were the real grinches on Sunday. As Dr. Seuss would suggest, they stole Christmas from themselves.

Woody Paige: 303-954-1095 or wpaige@denverpost.com

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_11285600